FAQ -
Service Issues

What is the difference
between “automatic” delivery and
“will call”?
“Automatic” delivery means that
an oil heat dealer will
automatically determine when a
customer needs fuel by using
degree day monitoring. The
customer does not need to place
a call to the dealer for a
delivery. The dealer will
automatically deliver fuel on a
regular basis and the customer
is assured of never running out
of fuel.

“Will-call” means that a
customer will monitor their own
consumption and “will call” the
dealer when a delivery is
needed.

How long does a tune-up
take?
A complete professional tune-up
generally takes from one to two
hours. It typically includes a
series of safety and operating
tests and any needed
adjustments. These include,
among many others, testing the
draft, the stack temperature,
burner operation and system
efficiency.

What is the reset button
and why should I only press it
once?
Primary controls have a reset
button. This button allows the
homeowner to restart the burner
should a problem cause the unit
to shut down. (For example,
burners may need to be restarted
after a power outage.) Pushing
the reset button should get the
burner running, but if the
safety switch shuts the burner
down again, the homeowner should
call for service. Homeowners
should NEVER push the reset
button more than once because it
might cause excess oil to be
pumped into the combustion
chamber. This will result in a
lengthy and costly repair.

Who should service my
heating unit?
The NORA Oilheat Technician
Certification Program provides a
national standard for Technician
Training. It gives credibility
and recognition to Master
Technicians. It encourages
Technicians to become perpetual
students by requiring Continuing
Education. It builds upon and
supplements existing education
programs. It gives oil heat
companies who invest in
education for their Technicians
a way to differentiate
themselves from those companies
that do not. Currently, there
are over 10,000 NORA certified
technicians.

The diagnostic tools technicians
use have also improved
dramatically. Our new digital
test equipment gives technicians
the information they need to
maximize a system’s safety,
efficiency, and reliability.

Technicians have wireless
communications and some have
handheld computer terminals that
allow them to access the main
computer data bank to assist
them in troubleshooting and
speedy repair service.